Seanad debates

Thursday, 17 November 2022

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

 

10:30 am

Photo of Seán KyneSeán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That said, the Senator called for a feasibility study on light rail and I agree. If she wants me to sign a letter, I will certainly do so. As I understand it, the rail group in Galway is seeking funding from the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, for a feasibility study. I am not sure whether it has to come from the local authority or whether the Minister can advocate and provide for it. I would certainly support that. The initial stages of BusConnects projects regarding the cross-city link are going through the process as well.

Senator Wilson spoke about the Ukrainian famine of 1932 and 1933 of which, I must say, I was not aware. I believe there is a motion to come at some stage. We will look forward to and perhaps have a debate on that as well.

Senator Buttimer raised the issue of increased toll charges and sought a debate with the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, in that regard. I will certainly arrange for the Minister of State to come into the Chamber to talk about the increase and costs for motorists.

Senator Boyhan also spoke about issues concerning Commencement matters in the Seanad, and called for a debate regarding the 10,000 children who are waiting for mental health treatment. I will certainly raise that with the Minister.

Senator Maria Byrne welcomed the peace of mind afforded to the Tully and Sheehy families by the decision by the Minister of Justice, Deputy McEntee, to rescind the decision to allow the individual charged with the murder of Kevin Sheehy from seeing out his time in the United Kingdom. I certainly welcome that decision being rescinded.

Senators Wall and Currie welcomed the proposals for the new gambling regulation Bill. They acknowledged the work of the Minister of State, Deputy Browne, with which I concur, while also commending the work of the previous Minister of State, Deputy Stanton, who put in a Trojan effort, as did all members of the Joint Committee on Justice in that regard. It is a long process for complex legislation to get through. I agree that it is a good day for all those who have suffered shattered lives from gambling addiction. Senator Wall also spoke about the lack of school places in Kildare South. I can certainly contact the Minister or the Ceann Comhairle will be able to perhaps arrange a meeting with her regarding Kildare South.

Senator Ahearn talked about local authorities and rates increases. These are difficult decisions. Obviously, decisions on rates and local property tax are a matter for the local authority members. It is fair to say the majority of CEOs, and this was certainly the case during my time in a local authority, will always advocate for an increase in rates as a way of balancing the books. Councillors have to balance that versus the pressures businesses are under. There has been a considerable increase in funding for local authorities this year, which was absolutely needed because of the increase in energy costs. Funding has also been provided to allow for the increases in pay arising from the Building Momentum pay agreement. Local authorities are under pressure; some more than others. That is a decision for the councillors, however.

I congratulate Senator Conway on the well-attended briefing on digital accessibility yesterday, which I attended and at which very valid points were raised. The Senator said 40 Members of the Oireachtas attended. He made some very important points. Accessibility is hugely important in buildings. One issue is obviously that physical work needs to take place. Sometimes there are undue delays with regard to protected structures and all that goes with that. Issues need to be gotten over, however. There is really no excuse now for State websites that are not accessible. Certainly, it is something that should be taken up with all Government Ministers. Senator Conway is advocating for them to take charge with regard to State agencies and their own Departments and also to provide supports for SMEs.

Senator Boylan talked about the CETA agreement. The Government remains committed to ratifying the CETA agreement in full. The Government will reflect on the wider decision and consider its implications. The initial assessment is that a referendum is not required and that some changes may be required to domestic law. I am sure we will hear more about that over the coming months and years.

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